Timing device with improved non-conductive programming means

ABSTRACT

A timing device that may be selectively set to automatically actuate an alarm or other electrically operated device, at the expiration of a predetermined number of seconds, minutes, or hours by the combined operation of a selected, rotatably driven arm and a nonelectrical conducting film. The film may be selectively matched on the circumferential edge thereof, with the spacing between the notches determining the relative time intervals between actuation of the alarm, or other electrically operated device, and with the width of the notches being the limiting factor as to the length of time the alarm, or other electrically operated device, will be energized. The time intervals between the periods of energization of the alarm, or other electrically operated device, is also determined by the speed at which the arm is rotated, as is the duration of each of said periods.

United States Patent [72] lnventor Thomas R. Hawks 801 E. 37th St., Long Beach, Calif. 90807 [2]] Appl. No. 852,428 221 Filed Aug. 22, I969 [45] Patented June 1, I971 [54] TIMING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED NON- CONDUCTIVE PROGRAMMING MEANS 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 200/38, 200/46 [51] Int. Cl ..IIOIh 43/1 8, I-IOlh 43/08 [50] Field of Search 200/38, 3337, 46, ll (C), 14

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,070,779 2/l937 Bowen et a]. 200/36 2,885,001 5/1959 Brown 200/35 3,219,769 11/1965 Lutzen 3,287,512 ll/l966 Gertschetal ABSTRACT: A timing device that may be selectively set to automatically actuate an alarm or other electrically operated device, at the expiration of a predetermined number of seconds, minutes, or hours by the combined operation of a selected, rotatably driven arm and a nonelectrical conducting film. The film may be selectively matched on the circumferential edge thereof, with the spacing between the notches determining the relative time intervals between actuation of the alarm, or other electrically operated device, and with the width of the notches being the limiting factor as to the length of time the alarm, or other electrically operated device, will be energized. The time intervals between the periods of energization of the alarm, or other electrically operated device, is also determined by the speed at which the arm is rotated, as is the duration of each of said periods.

PATENTEU JUN 1197i 3; 582,581

INVI'TNTOR 72/0/1145 8. lhw/(s TIMING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED NON-CONDUCTIVE PROGRAMMING MEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention A device that may be selectively set to actuate an electrically energized alarm, or other electrically operated equipment, at the expiration of a desired period of time, and for a specific period of time. 2. Description of the Prior Art In laboratory and other technical environments it is highly desirable that an alarm sound, or other piece of electrically operated equipment be energized, .at the expiration of a specified period of time in order to perform an experiment, or to warn a technician that it is time to make changes or additions to the subject matter under investigation. Such periods of time may range from a few seconds to a number ofhours. In many experiments the time period can be crucial.

Various types of timers have been designed and manufactured in the past, but heretofore none have been susceptible of selectively setting to automatically and accurately sound an alarm at the expiration of a period of time, which may be seconds, minutes, or hours, and to continue the operation of the alarm or operation ofa piece of electrically driven equipment for a selective period of time.

The present invention overcomes the operational disadvantages of prior times available in the past by providing an inexpensive timing device that may, by a simple-manual operation, be set to sound an alarm at the expiration of a predetermined period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A timing device, which by mounting an appropriately notched film of electrical insulating material thereon, together with one of a number of rotatable arms, may be set to sound van alarm or operate a piece ofelectrically driven equipment-at the expiration of a predetermined period of time, with the operation continuing for the length of time selected by the user.

A major object ofthe present invention is to provide atimer that is simple and easy to use, is of inexpensive structure, and one which may be manually set to electrically actuate an alarm or other piece of electrical equipment at the expiration ofa desirednumber of seconds, minutes, or hours, and for a desired length of time.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a device by use of which laboratory techniques are improved, as well as to provide a device that permits experiments to be carried out more expeditiously in that it removes human error in timing the duration of an experiment or a sequential portion thereof.

A still further object of the invention is to supply a timing device that automatically sounds an alarm at the expiration of a predetermined period of time, and by so doing, frees laboratory personnel from the burden of remembering to terminate an experiment or make an adjustment thereto at a particular time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view ofthe timing device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electricalinsulating film used with the timer;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the device, with portions thereof cut away to show the interior thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a number of electrical conducting arms used with the device;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of one of the arms in engagement with an engageable portion of one ofthe drive shafts; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the electricalcircuit that actuates an alarm or other piece of electrical equipment after .a, predetermined number of seconds, minutes, or hours, and

for a desired length of time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The timing device A, as may best be seen in FIG. 1, includes a housing B having a vertical, forward open end 10, illustrated in FIG. 3. Housing B is preferably formed from an electrical insulating material such as plastic, or the like.

The open end 10 is closed by a metallic flat ring C and a circular front piece D, also shown in FIG. 3, that are secured to the inner circumferential edge 12 of the ring. Front piece D is preferably formed from a nonelectrical conducting sheet material such as plastic, or the like.

First, second,-and third concentric tubular metallic shafts E, F, and G are rotatably supported in bearings 14 and 16 within the housing B (FIG. 3). The bearing 14 is secured to the inner central portion of a back 17 forming a part of housing B, and bearing 16 is affixed to the center of the front piece D.

.The first, second, and third shafts E, F, and G, respectively, project forwardly from housing B, and terminate in longitudinally spaced, tapered end portions 18, 20, and 22, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 5. First, second, and third driven gears 24, 26, and 28 of diminishing diameter are secured to the rear portions of shafts E, F, and G, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3.

Gears 24, 26, and 28 are driven by first, second, and third driving gears 24a, 26a, and 28a, respectively, which driving gears are mounted on a driving shaft 30. Driving shaft 30 is situated within housing B, and a first end of shaft 30 is rotated by, and secured to, a prime mover H affixed to the back 17 (FIG. 3).

A second end of driving shaft 30 is rotatably supported in a bearing 32 affixed to the inner face of front piece D. For simplicity of disclosure, the gears 24, 26, and 28 are shown in the drawings in engagement with gears 24a, 26a, and 28a, although in actual practice, idling gears (not shown) may be interposed between the driven and driving gears to rotate the concentric shafts E, F, and G at desired speeds. Prime mover H may be either spring or electrically driven.

First, second, and third metallic arms 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 are provided, the first end portions 34, 36, and 38 of which are of cylindrical transverse cross section. Tapered bores 34a, 36a, and 38a, areformed in end portions 34, 36, and 38, respectively, and these bores are adapted to removably and frictionally engage the tapered end portions 18, 20, and 22.

Electrical contacts 40, 42, and 44 are mounted on second ends of arms 1-1.1-2, and 1-3, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4. The arms 1-], 1-2, and 1-3 are resilient, and when the first end portions 34, 36, and 38 are mounted on the tapered ends 18, 20, and 22, respectively, the contacts 40, 42, and 44 tend to pressure engage the forward surface *of ring C. Intermediately disposed offset portions 46 and 48 are created in arms 1-2 and 1-3, due to the first end portions 36 and 38 being situated forwardly of ring C a greater distance than the first end portion 34 ofthe arm.

An electrically actuated alarm K is provided, which when actuated, audibly indicates the passage of a predetermined period of time. Alarm K is mounted at a convenient position on housing B, and a conductor 50 extends from the alarm to ring C, with another conductor 52 extending to one terminal of a source of electric power 54. The other terminal of the source of electric power 54 is connected to a conductor 56 that extends to a terminal 58 of a normally closed electric switch 60. Switch 60 includes a blade 62 that may engage a contact 64. Contact 64 is connected by a conductor 66 to a resilient spring or brush 68 that is at all times in slidable, electrical conducting contact with first concentric shaft E. First, second, and third concentric shafts E, F, and G are at all times in electrical conducting, rotatable engagement. Conductor 52 includes a manually operated switch 53 that controls the operation of alarm K. Conductors 52' and 50' extend from conductors 52 and 50 respectively, to an electrically operated piece of equipment K that may be a heater agitator or the like. Conductor 52' includes a manually operated switch 53.

A number of sheet circular films L are provided that are of such transverse area as to fit over the forward faces of the ring C and front piece D. A centrally disposed opening 70 is formed in each film L, which is of sufficient size to permit the concentric shafts E, F, and G to extend forwardly therethrough in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Two or more spaced openings 72 are also formed in each film L (FIGS. 1 and 2), through which pins 74 mounted on front piece D project. Pins 74 serve to removably support one of the films L on the timing device A (FIG. 1), with the film being in abutting contact with the forward faces of front piece D and ring C. It is preferable that circular graduations 76 be carried on the forward face of each film L to subdivide the same to indicate hours, minutes, and seconds as on the face ofa clock or watch.

In use, operation of the invention is most simple. If, for example, a user wishes to be signaled at the end of 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 7 hours, radially extending notches M are formed in the peripheral portion of the film L, and the film L thereafter mounted on the device A, as shown in FIG. 1. The arm J-1 is then removably mounted on first tapered end 18 in the 12 oclock position. Switch 60 is placed in a closed position. When first arm J-l has rotated to a position where contact 40 is in alignment with the first of the notches M, the contact will engage the forward face of ring C, and a circuit will be completed to energize alarm K to indicate the passage ofa 2% hour time period. If in addition to actuating the alarm K, the electrical device K will also be energized if switch 53' is placed in the closed position. As the first arm J-l continues to rotate, it will subsequently contact ring C through the balance of the notches M to indicate the passage ofa 3%, 4%, 5% and 7 hour time periods. The width of the slots M at the position traversed thereover by the contacts 40, 42 or 44 determines the lengths of time the alarm K or electrical device K will be energized after predetermined period of time. When the switch 520 is open the electrical device K may be electrically energized after the passage of predetermined periods of time without the alarm K being sounded. Should the arm J-2 be used instead of arm J-l, the time periods at which the alarm K is actuated would be in minutes rather than hours. Use of arm J-3 on the timing device reduces the time period to seconds.

If desired a single notch M may be formed in the film L, and the film then mounted on the device A in the manner previously described. With the single notch M formed therein, the film L may be used to signal the expiration ofa period of time in hours, minutes, or seconds, depending upon which of the arms 1-1, 1-2, or 1-3 is used on the device A, or to electrically energize the electrical equipment K.

Iclaim:

l. A power-operated timer comprising a. a housing assembly that includes a housing formed of a nonelectrical conducting material and having a forward open end, a ring of electrical conducting material secured to said housing adjacent said open end, and a front circular piece of nonelectrical conducting material that extends inwardly from said open end, a circular sheet of nonelectrical conducting material having a central opening therein, circumferentially spaced notches cut in the peripheral portion of said sheet, the spacing between said notches'and the width of said notches at predetermined positions therein determining time intervals by which an electrically operated device will be energized;

b. a plurality of concentric tubular metallic shafts rotatably supported in said housing normal to said front piece, and said shafts having forward end portions that extend forwardly through a central opening in said front piece;

. first means in said housing for driving each of said shafts at a different constant rate of rotation;

d. an electric circuit that is connected to said electrically operated device and to each of said shafts, said circuit being connectable to a source of electric power;

e. means for removably supporting said sheet in abutting contact with said front piece and the forward face of said ring, and having said shaft end portionsprojecting forwardly through said central opening therein, with circumferentially spaced portions of said ring being exposed by said notches; and

f. a plurality of electrical conducting arms, each of which is adapted to be removably mounted on one of said end portions of said shafts and when so mounted pressure contact the forward peripheral face portion of said sheet and the forward face of said ring when traversing one of said notches, each of said arms when so mounted completing said circuit to energize said device during the time said arm is in contact with a portion of said ring exposed by one of said notches, and the time intervals at which said electrical device is energized and the duration of the periods of energization being selectively determined by which of said arms is mounted on said projecting shaft portions.

2. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which said first means includes:

g. first, second and third concentric, tubular metallic shafts rotatably supported in said housing and electrically insulated from said ring, which shafts have first, second and third engageable end portions that extend forwardly first, second and third distances beyond said front piece, with said first, second and third shafts being disposed in a direction normal to said front piece and centered relative to said ring, and with said first, second and third shafts being in sliding electrical contact with one another;

h. a prime mover;

i. a first shaft in said housing driven by said primer mover at a constant rate of rotation with said first shaft being parallel to said concentric shafts and spaced therefrom; and

j. gear means at least partially on said first shaft and concentric shafts for rotating said first shaft 1 revolution each 12 hours, said second shaft 1 revolution each 60 minutes, and said third shaft 1 revolution each 60 seconds.

3. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which there are first, second and third shafts and first, second and third arms that are removably mounted thereon, with said first shaft rotating said first arm to complete l revolution in 12 hours, said second shaft rotating said second arm to complete 1 revolution in 60 minutes, and said third shaft rotating said third arm to complete 1 revolution in 60 seconds.

4. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 in which said first, second and third shaft end portions are of tapered shape and said first, second and third arms include first, second and third bodies on ends thereof, with said bodies having tapered recesses therein that frictionally engage said tapered ends of said shaft to removably support said arms thereon.

5. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 in which said means for removably supporting said sheet on said front piece are a plurality of pins that extend forwardly from said front piece and extend through and engage a plurality of openings in said sheet.

6. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 which in addition includes graduations imprinted on the forward face of said sheet to assist in forming notches in said sheet whereby said electrical device will be energized at desired time intervals and for desired periods of time.

7. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which said electrically operated device is an electric alarm. 

1. A power-operated timer comprising a. a housing assembly that includes a housing formed of a nonelectrical conducting material and having a forward open end, a ring of electrical conducting material secured to said housing adjacent said open end, and a front circular piece of nonelectrical conducting material that extends inwardly from said open end, a circular sheet of nonelectrical conducting material having a central opening therein, circumferentially spaced notches cut in the peripheral portion of said sheet, the spacing between said notches and the width of said notches at predetermined positions therein determining time intervals by which an electrically operated device will be energized; b. a plurality of concentric tubular metallic shafts rotatably supported in said housing normal to said front piece, and said shafts having forward end portions that extend forwardly through a central opening in said front piece; c. first means in said housing for driving each of said shafts at a different constant rate of rotation; d. an electric circuit that is connected to said electrically operated device and to each of said shafts, said circuit being connectable to a source of electric power; e. means for removably supporting said sheet in abutting contact with said front piece and the forward face of said ring, and having said shaft end portions projecting forwardly through said central opening therein, with circumferentially spaced portions of said ring being exposed by said notches; and f. a plurality of electrical conducting arms, each of which is adapted to be removably mounted on one of said end portions of said shafts and when so mounted pressure contact the forward peripheral face portion of said sheet and the forward face of said ring when traversing one of said notches, each of said arms when so mounted completing said circuit to energize said device during the time said arm is in contact with a portion of said ring exposed by one of said notches, and the time intervals at which said electrical device is energized and the duration of the periods of energization being selectively determined by which of said arms is mounted on said projecting shaft portions.
 2. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which said first means includes: g. first, second and third concentric, tubular metallic shafts rotatably supported in said housing and electrically insulated from said ring, which shafts have first, second and third engageable end portions that extend forwardly first, second and third distances beyond said front piece, with said first, second and third shafts being disposed in a direction normal to said front piece and centered relative to said ring, and with said first, second and third shafts being in sliding electrical contact with one another; h. a prime mover; i. a first shaft in said housing driven by said primer mover at a constant rate of rotation with said first shaft being parallel to said concentric shafts and spaced therefrom; and j. gear means at least partially on said first shaft and concentric shafts for rotating said first shaft 1 revolution each 12 hours, said second shaft 1 revolution each 60 minutes, and said third shaft 1 revolution each 60 seconds.
 3. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which there are first, second and third shafts and first, second and third arms that are removably mounted thereon, with said first shaft rotating said first arm to complete 1 revolution in 12 hours, said secOnd shaft rotating said second arm to complete 1 revolution in 60 minutes, and said third shaft rotating said third arm to complete 1 revolution in 60 seconds.
 4. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 in which said first, second and third shaft end portions are of tapered shape and said first, second and third arms include first, second and third bodies on ends thereof, with said bodies having tapered recesses therein that frictionally engage said tapered ends of said shaft to removably support said arms thereon.
 5. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 in which said means for removably supporting said sheet on said front piece are a plurality of pins that extend forwardly from said front piece and extend through and engage a plurality of openings in said sheet.
 6. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 3 which in addition includes graduations imprinted on the forward face of said sheet to assist in forming notches in said sheet whereby said electrical device will be energized at desired time intervals and for desired periods of time.
 7. A power-operated timer as defined in claim 1 in which said electrically operated device is an electric alarm. 